History

Libya is at the heart of a region that is steeped in history – one which dates back to of around 10,000 BC. Archaeological discoveries have shown evidence of Palaeolithic man in the Libyan region in the form of pictures drawn on the rocks in the deep desert in the country. Most of these are found in Fezzan and in the triangular section of the Brak Murzuk and Sabha and in the Acacus and Tibesti Mountains.

The merchandise was transported from Libya to the central African states by two great trade routes which joined about 150 miles south of Ghedames and then continued as a single route to the River Niger.

Sabrata, Oea and Leptis Magna were preferred routes to towns which were deeper in the mainland. The shortest route from Niger to the Mediterranean was from Ghadames to Sabrata.

“Libya” was used by the Greeks for all of North Africa, except Egypt as well as being the official name of the country.